Burned Into Time

By Mary M. Ricksen

A horrific car accident, a Celtic ring and destiny, send a young woman on a journey to the past. In a desperate search for her lost sister, she follows the instructions and left her in a bank vault from a hundred years ago.

Little did she know the ring would save her life and change it in ways she could never imagine. Does she have the strength to live through her nightmare and find her destiny?

Can she face her sister now that things have changed so drastically? Only time will tell…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9781613091043

Book preview

Dedication

This book is dedicated to Sharon Donovan. She may be in heaven, but she is always here in my heart.

Special thanks to Hywela Lyn, Doc, Traci, Patrice, and Joan for all your support.

Chapters

One

1978 Stowe, Vermont

THIS TIME NEXT YEAR I’ll be one hundred years in the past!

When the bank had notified, Alacia Lacy McCalley, on her eighteenth birthday, about a box left to her and kept in a vault for a century, she’d been awestruck. Butterflies tickled her insides as she’d remembered when she’d first seen it. The presence of her name engraved on the top of the handcrafted wooden chest had been a shock.

It’s so far out I still can’t wrap my mind around it. At first, she’d had no clue how the hell anyone from 1878 could have known about her, let alone left her an inheritance.

Will you miss me, Blythe? Lacy held up the Celtic ring that hung on a delicate gold chain around her neck. All she had to do was put it on. The ring was one of the things left for her in the antique box. I can’t believe how my sister found it in Lake Champlain and now lives there—in the past.

Lacy planned to put the ring on her finger in spring, when Vermont grew fresh with wild flowers and the leaves waved emerald green. With any luck, she could find a new life in the past with her sister, Keeley. But not until after she’d done the best she could to tie up any loose ends in her life. Her brother, her mother, her few real friends, all deserved some kind of closure.

Behind the steering wheel, her cousin, Blythe, didn’t turn her head, but continued to drive carefully in the rapidly deteriorating weather. Lacy was grateful she wasn’t behind that wheel.

When I see you disappear, I’ll believe it. Blythe downshifted as she drove up the winding mountain roadway to the ski chalet in Stowe, Vermont. A birthday present to herself, Lacy had invited her favorite relative along.

The stuff in the chest didn’t convince you? Well, I guess my disappearance is what it’ll take. I know Keeley would never deceive me. How else can you explain the proof she left me? Lacy believed her sister had traveled back a hundred years in time, and she planned to do a little tripping through time herself.

Blythe smirked. I know you’re a bit nervous about it. I wish you’d rethink the idea.

Finding my sister is a dream come true. She’s married now and overcame our mutual fear of men. I wish I could break that wall down too. Lacy glanced out the window; that wistful feeling churned up in her again. The snow had turned from lazy flakes to a steady fall of huge, accumulating crystals.

Your father was very abusive to both of you. I’m sure Keeley’s learned to let it go now that she is happy. You never discuss it, but you’ll have to find a way to do the same thing. Blythe paused and added. If you don’t, you’ll never find your own happiness.

Lacy didn’t care to talk about her father and remained silent, hoping Blythe would drop the subject. Just the mention of him brought back all sorts of bitter memories.

Damn, I wish you’d bought new snow chains for your car, Lacy. The road is beginning to get more dangerous. Thank God we’re almost there. If we weren’t so close, I’d pull this piece of shit over. Blythe’s worry concerned Lacy, but she’d volunteered to drive. Lacy hated to drive in this kind of weather and was all too happy to take the passenger seat.

How dare you talk about my car that way? She’s temperamental, and if you don’t want her to hear you, you’d better think before you speak. She may have seen better days, but I love this little car too much to replace it with a newer model. Lacy patted the dashboard of her 1966 Chevy II. Do you want to stop? Are you okay?

I’ll be fine. But if it gets any worse... Blythe grimaced. Have you made any headway with your fear of men? I know you don’t wanna talk about it, even now. But I noticed you cringed when that totally hot dude in that corner grocery raised his arm to open the door for us.

It’ll be fine, Cuz. If a man isn’t in my future, I’ll be fine. I am able to take care of myself, no matter where I am. Why do I need a man? Besides, this is my last time with you before I leave. I don’t want to talk about my fears or my non-existent sex life. Our vacation together in the chalet means a lot to me, Blythe. I’m really psyched about it

Lacy glanced around to the back seat where her German Shepherd, King, snoozed without a care in the world. His legs began to move, and he whined in his sleep. She reached back, rubbed his head and woke him from his doggie nightmare. He stretched, then stood between the front seats, while he rewarded her with a furious bout of hand licking. We’ll be there soon, King, and I have a whole bag of pigs’ ears for you. You know, I swear he smiles at me.

She turned back and peered through the windshield. The weather had deteriorated rapidly into a full-blown blizzard. She shoved over the large, stuffed backpack at her feet for more room. Heavy, she could barely carry it. But everything in it was essential for her trip to the past. The dream trip she’d take next spring. Fine hairs on her arm stood at attention whenever she thought about it.

The books she kept in the backpack were the ones her sister had asked for in the journals she’d left for Lacy. Books on history, medicine, herbal remedies, even how to make penicillin filled the pages among the subjects covered. Lacy hadn’t forgotten about the several bottles of penicillin pills. She’d acquired and refreshed them whenever she could. She carried her knapsack wherever she went. She had an eerie premonition she would need it in an emergency, and she wasn’t taking any chances.

Among the other things she carried were peanut butter cups—and lots of them. She’d replaced them regularly. Several times she’d stolen the chocolate delight from the stash to satisfy her addiction. She knew they wouldn’t have them where she was going.

Can you see the road, Blythe? Are you sure you don’t wanna pull over? It’s really starting to get bad.

Nah, we’re almost there. I can handle this. I’ve driven in much worse weather. I can picture a blazing fire in our room at the lodge, and it’s way cool. Blythe’s positive words didn’t comfort Lacy as she faced the storm they drove through. But she trusted in her cousin’s driving ability.

Lacy viewed the mushy sleet as it hit the windshield and tried not to allow the swishing wipers to hypnotize her. She hoped they made it to the lodge soon. She forced herself to uncoil her fingers as she realized how tightly she clenched her fists.

This ring makes leaving so final. Keeley warned me there’s no going back. I’m really concerned about that part of it.

You know in the end it’s up to you. You’re gonna do what you want, and I know you wanna put that ring on. I’m glad you agreed to this last trip with me to Stowe before you disappear into the past. So I guess if this works, I’ll never see you again? Blythe’s voice trembled, but her eyes remained glued to the road.

Way up ahead the lights of a small town winked between sparkles of snow reflected in the headlights, and Lacy felt a small measure of relief. Almost there!

Then she saw it. Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped as she gripped the edge of her seat. With the roar of its diesel engine, an eighteen-wheeler whizzed past them and obliterated the entire windshield in a wave of slushy, ice water. Out of nowhere an enormous van attempted to pass the massive truck. Blythe swerved to avoid it. They slid sideways as the car fishtailed. Panicked, her cousin turned the wheel sharply. The car skidded. It raced toward the guardrail on the passenger side of the road.

It all happened too fast for Blythe’s reflexes to respond. Blythe screamed in terror as the car swerved out of control.

The slick road turned to black ice. Lacy shrieked as the precipice raced toward them. The narrow metal railing was all that stood between them and a sheer drop into the canyon. Metal screeched on metal as the car broke through the railing. It soared into clear air, nothingness...

In that split second time stopped.

Not a sound for a moment... one long moment.

Hold on, Lacy! Holy shit! Blythe hollered, on the edge of hysteria. Hold on, Lacy!

Blythe! Lacy screamed out her fear. Oh my God, Blythe!

King’s howls pierced the air as he thrashed about between the two front seats.

As they flew over the abyss, all around them was white. They descended in slow motion. Lacy stopped breathing. She felt and heard the loud thumps in her chest. Her eyes glued to the rocks and snow on the ground as it rushed toward them. She looked away as something compelled her to. In the distance, the very faint outline of a lovely Indian woman appeared before her. One hand raised, she waved to Lacy. The apparition disappeared so fast she wasn’t sure she’d seen it at all, nor did she recognize the girl.

In that split second, she looked down, took a sharp breath and held on tight to her beloved dog. He’d pushed his way up front into her lap. Lacy reached out to Blythe just before they slammed into the ground. That was the last thing she remembered before she woke up in hell.

CONSCIOUSNESS RETURNED one blurry image at a time. When she wiped her eyes, she saw blood on her hands. King’s whimpering cry and raspy tongue on her face brought it all back. She tried to focus both her eyes and her brain; then it hit her. The car, an accident, she was alive. She’d seen a strange vision, but...

Blythe! she shrieked, her voice hoarse already, the pungent smell of burning wires harsh to her senses. Fire! Acrid smoke rapidly filled the car, choking her as it scorched her throat. Frantic, she waved it away, barely able to see.

In abject panic, Lacy looked toward Blythe and gasped. Raw terror overcame her when she saw the extent of her cousin’s injuries. Blythe had hit the dashboard and windshield with her head so hard she cracked it. Tuffs of her hair embedded in the glass around a deeply impacted area. Unconscious, blood streamed from her nose and ears, while it trickled from the corner of her mouth. The entire front of her shirt bloomed crimson. Blythe lay at an odd angle, her body a bit askew, head tilted at an unnatural angle. A shattered thigh bone protruded through the shredded fabric of what had been her slacks. Blythe’s lower limbs were unrecognizable.

Lacy turned to the back seat. Flames engulfed the rear of the car, rapidly heading forward toward the three of them. In the front seat, King huddled as close to her as possible, howling and barking.

Quiet, King! she shouted. His loud barks gave way to pathetic whines. Blythe, wake up, Blythe! We’ll burn to death. Blythe didn’t respond. Lacy struggled to open her crumpled door to no avail. Blythe. She reached past King and touched her to rouse her. A small shot of relief flew through Lacy as Blythe’s eyes fluttered open.

Lacy, I can’t move. I’m so tired. Blythe could barely speak.

No! Lacy begged her to listen. We’ll get out, get help, you’ll be all right. Frantically she tried to move Blythe, to reach past her to her door—if she could only open her door. Flames reached their seats, and Lacy’s hair began to burn. Hysterical, she smacked at her head to stop it.

I’m tired, Blythe rasped, Wanna sleep, so tired...

Nooo! Lacy struggled for breath. She can’t see, she’s blind.

King tried to get to Blythe, but Lacy held him back. The flames began to burn her, but she didn’t appear to suffer at all. Terrified for Blythe, Lacy had no idea what to do.

Go, Lacy. Blythe’s breath rattled.

I won’t leave you, Blythe. Lord, I can’t get my door opened. It’s jammed! Frantic, she cried and the tears flowed down Lacy’s face. Again and again, she tried to open the door. She beat at it with her fists in a frenzy. The heat of the flames came closer and closer to Lacy, all around, burning. Noxious fumes and thick smoke surrounded them.

Blythe, I don’t want to die, and I can’t lose you. Still she tried to pull on her cousin. King screeched in pain. Fire lapped at her own face.

Put the ring... Lacy... Blythe’s voice faded.

I’m not going to let you die. No! Lacy begged.

I see it, it’s beautiful. Mom? Is that you? Blythe’s last words hung in smoke, her eyes lifeless like a porcelain doll, dull, gone.

Lacy looked at King, and despair overtook her. She watched her own skin bubble on her arm, flames seared into her flesh. Why didn’t she feel the pain? She stared at her cousin, and used the last of her strength to pull the golden chain, scorching hot, from her neck.

She sobbed, Blythe. Lacy grabbed the dog around his chest, grasped the backpack at her feet, and hooked her hand through its burning armhole. She slipped the ring onto the ring finger of her left hand. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head. She began to lose consciousness. Stowe was a long way from North Hero where her sister expected her to show up.

Oh God, it hurts so much. The searing pain in her face made her wonder if she had any skin left. She hugged King tightly. Lacy’s body tingled, and blackness overtook her as she descended into oblivion.

With her last conscious breath, she whispered, Keeley, I’m coming. Before she succumbed to the darkness, her blood burned through her veins. Bright blinding light surrounded her. She blacked out.

SO COLD—OH SO COLD, and pain, horrible pain. Her head and face burned while her feet and hands froze. How odd her body seemed, so tired, so weak. This dream couldn’t be real. A trip, the lodge... the car, she’d been in the car. It really happened!

Opening her eyes became sheer torture. They’d swollen and made it almost impossible to see. After a bit, her vision cleared enough to distinguish things around her. Snow fell gently. It touched her lashes and turned them white and frosty. I can’t feel a thing.

Lying on the ground wasn’t good for a person. What am I doing here?

Then it hit her. Blythe! Her brain screamed what her voice could not. An accident, their car went over a cliff. Blythe had died and there’d be no bringing her back.

Lacy’s slim grasp of reality left her confused. Blythe could not be dead.

Her face, something wasn’t right with her face. Bare hands touched her head, and she screamed. Part of her hair was gone. She looked at her hand and saw blood mixed with long strands of half-burned auburn curls.

King! Her heart pounded as she reached out for him. Her right arm burned painfully; she cringed when she saw it. Lacy used her unburned arm to feel for King.

He kissed her with a wet, warm tongue. She looked at him and recoiled at the singed fur and burns on one side of his once glistening coat. He whimpered, but stood and licked her face.

Go for help, King. Go get help.

Her faithful dog pleased with his eyes and whined in anguish as she told him to go.

Go King, I’ll be okay, go boy. Good dog. Go! Get help... Her eyes fluttered, and she heard him whimper. She had to be sure he understood before she passed out.

With one last whine and hesitation, King turned to her. With the last of her strength, she waved him to leave and he limped off. She watched him go, looking to save her, looking for help, looking...

Darkness settled upon her pain-laced mind.

Two

Tucked in the woods , the sturdy log cabin sat on Mt. Mansfield near Stowe. Sean McKenzie always loved to spend time there. He enjoyed hunting and walking in the woods, invigorated as he sucked cold fresh air into his lungs. He basked in this yearly winter time away from the rigors of his thriving logging business.

This morning he’d shot a few grouse, a wild turkey and carried in a brace of rabbits he cleaned and dressed. They’d be preserved outside in the sub-zero weather. He’d placed one of the skinned and gutted rabbits over his fire. While it cooked in his large hearth, it filled the space with an appetizing aroma. Ah, he loved roasted rabbit. He liked venison even better, and the ban on deer hunting irked him. The last time he hunted he’d set his sights on a huge buck with a full rack and had to watch it walk away.

For the second time since returning, he heard a noise, a shrill cry, a whine. He walked to the door and, ready to face the cold, he opened it. Gusts of snow-filled winds invaded his cabin. The blast of frigid air pierced his skin. Something lay on the wood porch. He hesitated by his rifle. Then he walked out and closed the door behind him.

Sean blew into his already cold hands while he approached the animal, a dog. The poor creature appeared injured. Actually, it looked burned. What the hell? What happened to you, pal? How could a dog be out here in the middle of a snowstorm, burned? His gaze searched the area around his lodge. Not a single thing out of place, barring this storm. Confused he picked the limp canine up and brought it inside.

A large airy loft opened down to a huge main room. Insulation prevented the wind from stealing through chinked walls. The large stone fireplace radiated inviting heat.

Gently he laid the dog on a soft rug and went to get a cloth to wipe the poor thing. The animal was in obvious pain. Sean winced in sympathy as he tried to help it. He dried the male canine with a towel and brought it some water. Large, golden, soulful eyes, watched him. The creature licked his hand hesitantly and whimpered when it stood. On its feet, it lapped up a few mouthfuls of water. Its eyes flickered from water bowl to Sean’s face. In obvious shock, the dog staggered back to the door.

He whined and scratched at the thick wood. Sean wished he knew what the dog wanted.

What, lad? What ails you? Surely you don’t need to go back out there?

Determined to leave, the animal would not give up but returned to Sean, then back to the door again.

So you want me to follow you? Damnation and just when I was getting settled. Ach lad, let’s go. Lead the way. We shall see what’s so troubling to you that you’d drive me out in this storm, hurt as ye are. Sean snagged his bearskin parka from a hook by the door, donned his snowshoes and gloves, and opened the door. He grabbed a length of rope and some blankets just in case. He knew one must be wary in weather so damned cold and wet.

Off with you, lad, I’m right behind you. He followed the courageous canine. Snow fell in the silence, pristine and sparkling. Every flake etched a unique pattern of lacy frosted moisture. Icicles suspended from graceful naked tree limbs, precarious to anything that passed beneath them. Sean avoided the pointed spears as he worked to follow the plucky dog on its mission.

Sean knew every tree and rock as he’d walked this land into memory. At the top of a small rise, he looked down and saw a shape in the snow. He trudged after the dog, which stayed well ahead of him. Every so often the animal turned to be sure he followed. It arrived at its destination well before Sean. The injured creature laid his head on the still form as soon as he reached it and howled, the sound eerie in the white silence.

Oh, Lord help me! Sean cried as he charged through the deep snow, snowshoes flapping.

When he made it to the motionless form on the ground, he fell to his knees and gently turned the figure over.

Pale cold skin and dreadful burns covered one side of her face. The other side was exquisite, with lush golden lashes against her ivory cheek. A gash on her head bled crimson in the snow.

What happened to you, lass? He touched her shoulder, shook her gently, tried to rouse her, and failed. Her shallow breathing, the severity of her injuries, her lack of response, set his heart thumping like a bass drum. Realizing she needed help straight away, he lifted her slight form in his arms.

"It’ll be all right,